Abstract:Unlicensed and clone firms pose risks; FCA urges investors to verify authorization.
On 28 March 2025, the UKs Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) issued a warning against ten entities suspected of operating without proper authorization or impersonating FCA-regulated firms. These firms have been flagged for offering or promoting financial services and products to the public in the UK without approval, in violation of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000.
According to the FCA, all firms and individuals that carry out regulated financial services in the UK must be authorized or registered. Unauthorized firms present a high risk to consumers, as any dealings with them are not covered by protections such as the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) or the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS). This means that if something goes wrong—such as fraud or insolvency—affected users are unlikely to recover their funds.
The FCA named the following ten firms
1. ByStockIndex
Address: 48 Warwick Street, London, W1B 5AW
Website: https://www.bystockindex.com/
2. Crescital
Address: 48 Warwick Street, London, W1B 5AW
Telephone: 07405027793
Website: https://www.crescital.org/
3. SanHourlyCoin
Address: 48 Warwick Street, London, W1B 5AW
Email: admin@sanhourlycoin.com
Website: https://sanhourlycoin.com/
4. Extream Traders
Address: 419 Occidental Avenue South, Seattle, WA, USA
Telephone: 12533547697
Email: support@extreamtraders.com
Website: https://www.extreamtraders.net/
5. claimeazy.checkmyassets.systems (clone of an FCA-authorised firm)
Telephone: +44 203 668 3471
Email: support@claimeazy.checkmyassets.systems
Website: claimeazy.checkmyassets.systems
6. 24 Asphalt IQ
Address: Aylmer Road, East Finchley, London, N2 0AT
Website: https://24.asphaltiq.org/
7. Finex Capital24
Address: Aylmer Road, East Finchley, London, N2 0AT
Website: https://finexcapital24.org/
8. Solaris Wealth
Address: Aylmer Road, East Finchley, London, N2 0AT
Website: https://solariswealthdb.com/
9. EDGE OPTIMATE FIRM
Website: https://www.edgeoptimatefirm.com/
10. PRECISIONFX
Address: Aylmer Road, East Finchley, London, N2 0AT
Website: https://precisionfx.org/
Among these, claimeazy.checkmyassets.systems is confirmed as a clone firm—an operation that mimics a legitimate company regulated by the FCA in order to deceive investors. Clone firms often copy names, registration numbers, and branding to appear genuine, making it difficult for unsuspecting consumers to distinguish real from fake.
The FCA reminds the public that engaging with unauthorized firms carries substantial risks. These firms often target individuals through cold calls, unsolicited emails, social media advertisements, and fraudulent websites. Victims typically experience aggressive sales tactics, promises of high returns, and pressure to act quickly. Once funds are transferred, communication often ceases, and recovering money becomes difficult or impossible.
When choosing a broker in online trading, regulation matters just as much as trading features. A broker may offer attractive tools and tight spreads, but if it lacks strong oversight, traders may face real risks. Exclusive Markets is one such broker where this balance should be looked at closely.
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